Charity, Ferndown | Posted on October 23rd, 2026 | return to news

Ferndown students take part in Cardboard Campout Challenge

The event by Ferndown Upper School Sixth Form students raised £7,612 for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation.

An incredible 94 Ferndown Upper School Sixth Form students spent the night in shelters made entirely from cardboard, raising £7,612 for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF).

The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Lawrence Wilson, who judged the shelters in the Cardboard Campout Challenge said: “I was very impressed with their efforts. It was very difficult to award some and not others as they were all very good.”

Pete Thornton JTYAF chairman, said: “We could not be prouder of these outstanding students. They willingly gave up their weekend, stepped outside their comfort zones and embraced the challenge with positivity and incredible enthusiasm. Their commitment to helping others has been nothing short of inspiring.

“Raising £7,612 is an extraordinary achievement, but what has impressed us most is the compassion, teamwork and leadership shown by every student who took part. They are fantastic ambassadors for their school and a credit to their families and our local community.”

Local businesses supported the students’ efforts to reach their fundraising target by collecting cardboard in the weeks leading up to the campout. The school thanked the companies involved, as well as Tesco Ferndown for providing breakfast supplies and Asda Bournemouth for donating fruit juice.

Special recognition was given to the teaching staff who volunteered their time to supervise the overnight event and to the families who encouraged and supported the students throughout their fundraising efforts.

The funds raised will enable the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation to continue supporting local young people through grants, awards and opportunities that help them fulfil their potential and achieve their ambitions.